The End of the Rhetorical Line? The ‘Partygate’ Investigation into former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson

• DOI: 10.1111/1467-923x.13296
• Publication Date: 2023-07-17T06:39:55Z
• Authors: Daniel Bowman; Andrew S. Roe‐Crines
• Keywords: House of Commons; Verdict; Contempt; Prime minister

Abstract In dramatic and unprecedented circumstances, a former British Prime Minister has been investigated by the House of Commons Privileges Committee for breaking laws set his own government socialising partying whilst rest country toiled during Covid lockdowns. The lockdown were clear, saying we ‘must stay at home, protect NHS, save lives’. Socialising any kind was outlawed, with high fines imposed. Yet, Boris Johnson, it unclear whether such restrictions applied to administration. After submission evidence from witnesses in Number Ten testimony defendant himself, ground‐breaking verdict that will reverberate around Westminster Conservative Party months years come delivered—namely, Johnson knowingly misled Parliament on multiple occasions about social activities he should be held contempt Parliament. fallout this cause division within remind voters lengthy period most would rather forget. This article reviews circumstances committee proceedings, presented, outcome how impacts negatively upon trust politics which, prior these already low point.